Can I come back?

[Texas Sadie]

It's been quite awhile since I was on this wonderful forum. I've missed it.

I recently went through some life changing events that has kept me away from photography. First, my grant funded job went away. That was horribly scary as I was the only financial support of my husband and I. Luckily I got hired at the PBS TV affiliate and I'm loving it.

Then, my husband died after a lengthy illness (7 year). He passed away a month ago.

If that wasn't enough..I've been a caregiver, too, to my mother in law for 10 years, but recently she went into hospice. She died of Alzheimer's complications two weeks after my husband passed away. He always adored his mom..(and so did I) i figured he told her it was okay to join him.

I'm ready to get back to photography again and am going to purchase the Rebel XTi and a few nice lenses within the next week. (graduating up from the little Canon Powershot Pro 1 I have) I may have to learn all over again.

So..here I am starting my life over and missing photography and this forum. I hope its okay to come back. My apologizes for not explaining my absence sooner.

[johnastovall]

Welcome back....

[Arnor]

Welcome back Shelley:) Sorry to hear about your loss:( You have some beautiful photos on your pbase site:)

Best regards,

[Hogleg 44]

I'm very sorry to hear of your losses Shelley. You have my deepest sympathy. I know that time has been very difficult.
Getting back to your photography (and this forum ) will be great for you and all of us...So welcome back.
PBS, huh! That sure sounds like fun!

[markperez]

Sorry to hear about your husband and mother in law. Hopefully the photography will help with the healing process.

[engstrom]

You have my condolences on your losses and I'm sorry to hear about the tough times you've been through recently. If there's anything that we can do let us know.

We are, however, happy to have you back.

[ttusa]

Welcome back-I'm sorry about your loss. Photography is such a nice get away...

[xseption]

welcome back ... I too offer my condolences and I am glad to see you back

~ edd

[photosbysergio]

Welcome back and I also am sorry to hear about the loss of your loved ones. Looking forward to seeing some of your photos with the new camera.

[DeLeon]

Welcome back.....Very sorry for your loss, let us know if there is anything we can do.

[Tim T]

Welcome back Shelley. I'm so very sorry about what you have gone through. No apologies necessary for being away. You were taking care of your priorities. Hopefully getting back into photography will be a good change of pace for you.

[wondershots]

Welcome back Shelley. I'm so sorry for you recent losses. I didn't post much when you were on before but look forward to seeing you participate again with your new equipment.

-Jim

[TXhummer2]

Shelly, you and your family and friends have all my condolences. You are also very welcome back to TPF and this friendly group of photographers. We'll see you around!

[bburton]

We've missed your creative contributions. I hope your faith in God and your artistic endeavors can mend your heart.

[Rox74]

Welcome back... and I too would like to wish you my sincere condolences. How wonderfully lucky your family is to have someone that will be there with them and take care of them. You are truly an angel.